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Wow Her with Cheap Flowers

Dropping $70 on a dozen roses isn't just expensive; it's obvious. Calla lilies or orchids are more exotic, but an arrangement of tropical leaves is an even better alternative—they can deliver the same aesthetic punch for a third of the cost.

"They'll have the same long, elegant lines and striking colors, the hallmarks of high-end arrangements," says party planner David Tutera, who has thrown flower-laden bashes for the Rolling Stones, Elton John, and Matthew McConaughey. "Any serious florist should have a range of varieties, depending on the season, but a good start would be magnolia leaves, pampas plumes, and monstera leaves, tied together with raffia or twine. It'll make a statement."

Bonus: They'll cost half as much (around $25) and last twice as long (up to 2 weeks) as most flowers